FOOTBALL chiefs last night welcomed the five-year ban handed to the Blackburn fan who racially abused Dwight Yorke.

Jason Perryman, 22, was caught on television hurling monkey chants and gesturing towards Yorke as the Birmingham striker warmed up during the 3-3 draw on Sunday.

Perryman, of Chorley, Lancashire, admitted at Blackburn Magistrates Court to an offence of racially aggravated disorderly behaviour and was banned from attending matches in England and Wales until 2009. He was also fined £1,000 with £75 costs.

A joint statement read, "The FA and the Premier League have welcomed the five-year banning order imposed on Jason Perryman for racially-aggravated abuse aimed at Birmingham City's Dwight Yorke.

"The FA and the Premier League condemns any form of racism and we welcome the strongest possible action against anyone identified as engaging in racist behaviour. Blackburn Rovers and the police are to be applauded for acting quickly and decisively in this case.

"The two organisations are fully committed to working together with other leagues, clubs, supporters groups and organisations such as Kick It Out to drive racism out of football."

Perryman intends to apologise personally to Yorke in a letter, the court heard.

A second fan, David Ashcroft, 21, pleaded not guilty to a second charge following Sunday's game.

Passing sentence, John Fryer, chairman of the bench, said, "You racially humiliated Dwight Yorke in public by both actions as well as words. There is no place in football or anywhere else for racist behaviour."

Yorke was upset and had confronted Perryman over the monkey chants and gestures, telling him he was "out of order." the court heard. Perryman was then ejected from the ground by stewards.

Ashcroft, of Brantwood Drive, in Leyland, Lancs, pleaded not guilty to the same offence and was bailed to reappear at the court on December 22.